Few within the construction and industrial sectors protect their hearing sufficiently - Zekler aims to increase usage through comfortable and simple hearing protection

Impaired hearing is common within the construction and industrial sectors. A new survey from Zekler shows that the majority of those working in the construction and industrial sectors only use hearing protection sporadically, despite the fact that injuries are preventable by wearing hearing protection throughout the shift. Zekler is now launching a new range of comfortable hearing protection with smart Bluetooth® technology.

When Zekler asked the Swedish construction and industry sectors about safety at the workplace, what had long been suspected was confirmed. A whole 44% of those who work in noisy environments responded that they only wear hearing protection when they themselves perform an operation where loud noises can occur. Only 1.3% responded that they wear hearing protection throughout the shift.

-  “Good hearing protection is only achieved when the protection is worn during the entire shift, and not just on the odd occasion. Hearing is affected the whole time when working in noisy environments and usually you cannot predict when loud noises will suddenly occur around you,” says Maria Wiland, Range Manager at Zekler.

Eight out of ten state that the main reason that they do not wear hearing protection throughout the shift is because they do not think it is necessary. Another reason is that they find it difficult to speak to colleagues.

Comfort and fit are the most important  

97% answered that the most important factor when selecting hearing protection is that protection is comfortable and does not chafe. In addition 63% responded that they appreciate hearing protection equipped with a level dependent system, which allows you to hear ambient sounds while protecting against noise.

-  “A prerequisite for being able and wanting to wear hearing protection throughout the entire shift is that the protection is comfortable with simple and smart features. This is why we develop protection that doesn't just dampen noise, but also fits snugly and features a level dependent system that is easy to use”, adds Maria Wiland.

New protectors from Zekler with smart features
The new range of hearing protection from Zekler has many smart features and above all Bluetooth® technology, which makes it possible to talk on the phone, listen wirelessly to your favourite music or the radio. The protection also offers a level dependent system that amplifies weak sounds and allows the wearer to hear ambient sounds while still providing protection against loud impulse noises. Another clever detail is that the volume of the hearing protectors does not need to be adjusted for incoming phone calls. It is adjusted automatically based on the ambient noise level.

The new Zekler hearing protectors are available from construction and industrial retailers and dealers and cost approximately SEK 2480 excluding VAT.

Response frequency and implementation
The survey was conducted on 249 people employed by Swedish construction companies. Respondents included site managers, project managers, supervisors, project leaders and buyers. The survey is a web-based questionnaire conducted in December 2013 and January 2014 by Sverige Bygger on behalf of Skydda, which includes the Zekler brand. A majority of respondents (62.39%) have worked in the construction industry for more than 20 years. 64% of respondents work for small and medium sized companies with less than 100 employees. 

For more information please contact:
Mary Wiland, Range Manager, Zekler
E-mail: maria.wiland@skydda.se
Tel: +46 (0)703-97 71 31